Eliminate food import, support local farmers to feed Nigerians – Akinwumi Adesina tells FG

Dr. Adesina stated this during the inauguration of a soybean plant and refinery at the Called Servant to Service (CSS) Global Integrated Farms in Gora, Karu Local Government Area, Nasarawa State. 

He expressed concern over the rising cost of food and the hunger crisis in Nigeria, emphasizing the need for bold policies and programs to support local farmers and agribusinesses. 

He highlighted the disparity in rice prices, comparing the current price of over N100,000 per bag to the N8,000 it cost during his tenure as Minister of Agriculture under President Goodluck Jonathan. 

CSS Farms’ contribution to food production 

Dr. Adesina commended CSS Farms for its role in enhancing food production and agribusiness development in Nigeria, particularly among the youth.  

The soybean plant and refinery, capable of producing 10,000 litres of soybean oil daily, was described as a significant milestone in Nigeria’s agricultural sector. 

He noted that the refinery would help reduce Nigeria’s dependence on crude soybean oil imports, valued at $62.2 million. 

Empowering agropreneurs  

Prof. John Okpara, the founder of CSS Farms, revealed plans to establish an agriculture university to empower students to set up agro-related businesses. 

He also recounted the divine inspiration behind the establishment of the farm, which began six years ago with one hectare of land and has since expanded to 1,750 hectares with over 1,450 workers. 

“In this farm, we produce 3,000 crates of eggs daily. Today, we are going to commission something new. I also produce a lot of soya beans,” Okpara said. 

He explained the farm’s integrated approach, which processes soybeans into various products, including soybean meal, cake, oil, and sludge. The sludge is used to produce soap, while the soybean cake and meal are used in animal feed production.